This document is a modest attempt to compile a wealth of information
in order to answer some frequently asked questions about stretching
and flexibility. It is organized into chapters covering the following
topics:

Physiology of Stretching

Flexibility

Types of Stretching

How to Stretch

Although each chapter may refer to sections in other chapters, it is not
required that you read every chapter in the order presented. It is
important, however, that you read the disclaimer before reading any
other sections of this document. See section Disclaimer. If you wish to
skip around, numerous cross references are supplied in each section to
help you find the concepts you may have missed. There is also an index
at the end of this document.

I (Brad Appleton - the author of this document) do not claim to
be any kind of expert on stretching, anatomy, physiology, or any other
biological science. I am merely attempting to compile information that I
have read in books or that has been presented to me by knowledgeable
sources.

The techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this document are not
intended as a substitute for proper medical advice! Consult your
physician or health care professional before performing any new
exercise or exercise technique, particularly if you are pregnant or
nursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic or recurring
conditions. Any application of the techniques, ideas, and suggestions
in this document is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.

The author and publisher of this document and their employers make no
warranty of any kind in regard to the content of this document,
including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of
merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and
publisher of this document and their employers are not liable or
responsible to any person or entity for any errors contained in this
document, or for any special, incidental, or consequential damage
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the
information contained in this document.

In other words: "I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV!" I can not be
held liable for any damages or injuries that you might suffer from somehow
relying upon information in this document, no matter how awful. Not even
if the information in question is incorrect or inaccurate. If you have
any doubt (and even if you don't) you should always check with your doctor
before trying any new exercise or exercise technique.

Thanks to all the readers of the `rec.martial-arts',
`rec.arts.dance' and `misc.fitness' newsgroups on Usenet who
responded to my request for questions (and answers) on stretching. Many
parts of this document come directly from these respondents. Thanks in
particular to Shawne Neeper for sharing her formidable knowledge of
muscle anatomy and physiology.

Other portions of this document rely heavily upon the information in the
following books:

Sport Stretch, by Michael J. Alter
(referred to as M. Alter in the rest of this document)

Stretching Scientifically, by Tom Kurz
(referred to as Kurz in the rest of this document)

SynerStretch For Total Body Flexibility, from Health For Life
(referred to as SynerStretch in the rest of this document)

The Health For Life Training Advisor, also from Health For Life
(referred to as HFLTA in the rest of this document)

Mobility Training for the Martial Arts, by Tony Gummerson
(referred to as Gummerson in the rest of this document)

Further information on these books and others, is available near
the end of this document. See section References on Stretching.

I am not any kind of medical or fitness professional! I do
have over 6 years of martial arts training, and over 20 years of dance
training in classical ballet, modern, and jazz. However, my primary
"qualifications" to write this document are that I took considerable
time and effort to read several books on the topic, and to combine the
information that I read with the information supplied to me from many
knowledgeable readers of Usenet news. I have tried to write this document
for all audiences and not make it specific to any particular sport or art
(such as dancing or martial arts). I have also tried to leave out any of
my own personal opinions or feelings and just state the facts as related
to me by the real experts.

If you have specific questions or comments about the specific content
of one or more parts of the stretching FAQ, please email them to me
at <mailto:brad@bradapp.net>. However, Please do
not email me asking for any stretching advice! I am a professional
software developer of programming tools and environments. I simply
am not qualified to dispense medical or fitness advice. You need to
seek out a licensed/certified medical or fitness professional for
that sort of thing. The information I have compiled here comes
from various expert sources, and I certainly learned a lot when I
researched the subject, but Im not an expert myself.

Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies
of this document at no charge or at a charge that covers reproducing
the cost of the copies, provided that the copyright notice and this
permission notice are preserved on all copies.